CLASSES | aida

CLASS INFORMATION

"A love of learning has a lot to do with learning that we're loved" - Fred Rogers

First Class is FREE!

Irish dance classes at AIDA are taught by Sarah Armstrong Rhodes, TCRG. Sarah is accredited with the Commission of Irish Dance, An Coimisiun Le Rinci Gaelacha ( https://www.clrg.ie/ ). This means AIDA students have the opportunity to compete, at the invitation of Sarah. Competitions are optional to all AIDA students, as we welcome recreational students as well.

All teachers are vetted according to CLRG policy : https://www.clrg.ie/index.php/en/vetting.html

All classes are held at our Winchester studio located at 33 E Gerrard Street. When you arrive at our studio, please walk your child into the studio using the front glass doors. There is a ramp and a set of stairs that run along the sidewalk on Gerrard that lead you to the front door.

Class Schedule

Each class is held weekly. Price is monthly unless otherwise specified.
There is an annual registration fee of $35 (per dancing family)
* Tuesday classes are taught by our assistant teacher, Lorri Johnson
* Thursday classes are taught by our assistant teacher, Anna Schloemer McClure

Beginners (30 min) $50 monthly ages 3+
Mondays 4:15 - 4:45
Wednesdays 5 - 5:30
Fridays 4:30 - 5

Beginners II (60 min. ) $80 monthly
Mondays 5:45 - 6:45 ages 6 - 8
Tuesdays 4:45 - 5:45 ages 8+
Thursdays 4:45 - 5:45 ages 6+

Advanced Beginners (60 min.) $80 monthly

Tuesdays 5:45 - 6:45
Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:30

Thursdays 5:45 - 6:45
Fridays 5 - 6

Novice (60 min.) $80 monthly

Mondays 4:45 - 5:45 (combined with Prizewinner)
Fridays 6 - 7

Adults (60 min.) $80 monthly

Thursdays 6:45 - 7:45 Beginner

Tuesdays 7 - 8 Intermediate
Fridays 7 - 8 Advanced

Preliminary Champion (90 min.) $90
Mondays 6:45 - 8:15
Wednesdays 6:30 - 8
Private Classes (Please contact Sarah directly to schedule a private class)
$60 per 60min. session
$40 per 30min. session
Students may "double up" on private lessons to help keep cost down. Students need to be in the same level. Each student can pay $30 for their 60min. combined private.

*Please note that it is strongly encouraged for all those competing to participate in 2 classes a week

** DROP-IN FEES Please note that if your dancer drops in for a class, that the following fees apply:

$20 for 30 min class

$30 for 60 min class

$35 for 90 min class

Family Discounts

For the 2nd dancer in a family, the annual registration fee for that dancer will be waived. For that 2nd dancer, monthly class fees are:
$40 for a 30 min. class

$60 for a 60 min. class
$70 for a 90 min class

For the 3rd dancer in a family, the annual registration fee for that dancer will be waived. For the 3rd dancer, monthly class fees are:
$20 for a 30 min. class

$40 for a 60 min. class
$50 for a 90 min class

Calendar Year

Our 2024 school year begins September 2, although we have open enrollment year-round. This means we accept new students throughout the year, regardless of level. Due to the nature of competitive Irish dancing, we do not take a typical summer break. Some of our recreational families choose to take a month or two (or three) off each summer - in this case, AIDA asks you give us your summer plans by June 1 each year so we can put a hold on your account. Reminder that we charge tuition monthly.

2024-25 Holidays/School Closures:

- Due to our location, we will be closed for the Apple Blossom Parade every year. This year, we will be closed Friday 5/3

- Monday May 27 we will close for Memorial Day

- No classes Thursday, July 4

- Summer Break is August 12-16 (no classes this week)
- Thanksgiving/Native American Heritage Day break - no classes Wednesday Thursday or Friday (11/27, 11/28, 11/29 of Thanksgiving week

- Christmas break - 12/23 - 1/3 (last class Friday 12/20, first class of the year Monday 1/6)

Class Descriptions

*Competitions are optional. Although Sarah is a certified teacher and teaches her classes as such, recreational students not wishing to compete are more than welcome in classes

Beginners (30 min) This class is for dancers who are new to Irish dancing. Ages 4+ In this class, we will learn Irish dance basics – proper posture and foot placement, practice proper classroom behavior, we will learn our hop 23s, sidestep, and other traveling steps. We will learn our Beginner Reel and Light Jig steps. We will learn our first ceili dances (group/social dances). This class is open to competing- Sarah will approach parents once their dancer is ready to compete (they will need to dance their 2 Reel and Light Jig steps without help).

Beginner II (60 min) This class is for dancers who are just starting hardshoe. In this class, we will perfect our Beginner Reel and Light Jig steps and learn Slip Jig. In hardshoe, we will learn our Fast Treble Jig and Fast Hornpipe steps. We will learn our first ceili dances (group/social dances). This class is open to competing- Sarah will approach parents once their dancer is ready to compete (they will need to dance their steps without help).

Advanced Beginner (60 min.) This class is for those who have progressed out of Beginner II class. We will learn new Reel, Light Jig, and Slip Jigs steps in softshoe. We will learn new hardshoe steps in Fast Hornpipe and Fast Treble Jig. We will learn more advanced ceili dances. We will learn our first traditional set dance (a hardshoe dance).

Novice (60 min.) This class is for those who have progressed out of Advanced Beginner class. We will learn new Reel and Slip Jig steps in softshoe and will learn new hardshoe steps in Slow Hornpipe and Slow Treble Jig. We will learn more advanced ceili and set dances.

Adults (60 min.) This class is for the Adult Dancer who wants to experience Irish dance among his/her peers. We will learn basic softshoe and hardshoe dances and will work on set dances and ceili dances if the class desires. This class moves at the students' pace in a non-competitive environment. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels are offered.

Prizewinner/Champion (90 min.) This class is our most advanced. Students must practice regularly outside of class times. This class will learn advanced steps in soft and hardshoe. Advanced set and ceili dances will be learned.

Private Class Private classes are to help a student by providing one-on-one instruction. Each class will focus on the dancer’s specific needs (to better prepare for an upcoming feis, to work on a judge’s comments, to perfect their solo steps or to choreograph a special piece for a talent show or other outside event).

* Please note that the class names do not necessarily correspond with the dancer’s competition level *

New Students

Please see separate Transfer Students page to complete an inquiry form

A Note on Competitions

Competing dancers represent AIDA and will be expected to practice outside of class, treat fellow dancers with respect and kindness, and dance their best in class and at competitions. AIDA will not tolerate disrespect in the classroom or at competitions. It is very important for parents and dancers to represent their family at AIDA well at all times. Please be aware with competing comes additional competition fees. Those competing are strongly encouraged to attend 2 classes a week.

Questions?